The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) destroyed more than 2.2 metric tons of dangerous drugs with an estimated street value of ₱12.34 billion during a disposal operation in Trece Martires City, Cavite, on Thursday, August 27.
The drugs were permanently disposed of through thermal decomposition at the Integrated Waste Management Inc. facility in Barangay Aguado, marking the largest volume of dangerous drugs destroyed by PDEA so far this year.
PDEA said a total of 2,224,679.9705 grams of solid dangerous drugs and 106,386.0500 milliliters of liquid dangerous drugs were incinerated during the activity.
The bulk of the destroyed substances consisted of 1,774,023.9425 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, with an estimated value of ₱12.06 billion.
Among the major seizures included in the disposal were 876 kilograms of shabu intercepted in MIMAROPA and 906,406.40 grams seized in Valenzuela City during separate major anti-illegal drug operations. Together, the two seizures accounted for approximately 1.7 metric tons of shabu.
The disposal also covered 433,336.9546 grams of marijuana, 2,208.7373 grams of cocaine, 21.2214 grams of MDMA, 9.0571 grams of MDMA mixed with methamphetamine, 51 grams of diazepam, 2.7076 grams of ketamine, 22.1 grams of nitrazepam, and 4.25 grams of psilocybin.
Also destroyed were 1,797 milliliters of liquid marijuana, 104,589.05 milliliters of liquid methamphetamine hydrochloride, and 15,000 grams of assorted expired medicines.
PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani R. Nerez said the destruction marked the culmination of law enforcement operations that resulted in the confiscation of the illegal substances and their eventual disposal after the completion of the required legal processes.
“These drugs were taken off the streets through the hard work of our law enforcement personnel and other law enforcement agencies. Their incineration ensures that these substances can no longer return to the illegal drug market or pose a threat to our communities,” Nerez said.
He added that the destruction demonstrates the agency’s continuing efforts to disrupt the illegal drug supply chain.
“More than two tons of dangerous drugs have now been permanently removed from the illegal drug trade. Behind this figure are continuous efforts by our personnel and partners to intercept illegal drugs before they reach our communities,” Nerez said.
The disposal activity was witnessed by Dangerous Drugs Board Chairperson Secretary Oscar F. Valenzuela, who served as guest of honor and speaker, along with representatives from government agencies, law enforcement units, partner organizations and the media.
PDEA said the activity is part of its continuing mandate to ensure the proper and permanent disposal of confiscated dangerous drugs after all necessary legal requirements have been completed.
The agency also emphasized that the process is intended to promote transparency and accountability in the handling of seized substances, ensuring that confiscated drugs are properly accounted for and cannot be returned to the illegal market.
PDEA said it will continue strengthening its interdiction and enforcement operations in coordination with partner agencies and other stakeholders to prevent illegal drugs from reaching communities.
